Kevin Putala was born in North Tonawanda, NY, and raised in Tonawanda, a rival city along the Niagara River, between Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
At age eleven, Kevin saw the pilot movie for the television series “Kung Fu” and fell in love with traditional martial arts and the sport of boxing. He would read every book he could find in the Erie County library system, and practice what he learned in his parent’s basement and garage.
After graduating in 1984, Kevin dedicated the next 8 years to serving the country in the US Army as a Military Police Officer and Investigator. In 1985, he was stationed in South Korea, earning his first black belt in the art of Traditional Tang Soo Do, which would begin a lifelong journey of studying and teaching martial arts.
Kevin also loves old-school bodybuilding, getting his personal trainer certification through the I.S.S.A. (International Sports Sciences Association). Kevin combined his martial and fitness knowledge, with his faith in Jesus Christ, to teach his students and help them become warriors in life.
At the age of 58, Kevin would undergo two total knee replacements, which brought his martial arts training to an end and set him back to square one.
Today, Kevin is focused on passing on all he has learned through books, to pass on the martial legacy and help future generations.
No longer teaching in person, Kevin’s training has become a very personal journey of rebuilding his body, mind, and spirit. Always the warrior, quitting is never an option.
Kevin resides in Tampa, FL with his amazing wife Iris. When not working his full-time job as a Security Professional, writing, or working out, Kevin can be found spending time with family and relaxing on Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches.